C’s set for clash of the titans

NBA. Get your popcorn ready.

The Celtics and Pistons will clash tonight for the third and final time of the regular season, and there couldn’t be more on the line at the TD Banknorth Garden.

The Eastern Conference goliaths have the two best records in the NBA, with the Celtics (46-12) holding a four-game edge on Detroit in the loss column, pending the Pistons’ game against the Sonics last night.

And the season series is tied, 1-1, as each team has claimed a victory on the other’s home court. A Celtics win will all but ensure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, which would be an obvious plus if these teams meet again in late May.

“This is a team that’s right behind us,” Celtics captain Paul Pierce said. “If we can get a little gap on them to finish out the season, it would be great.”

The Pistons claimed the first meeting at the Garden on Dec. 19, using a 9-0 fourth-quarter run and a pair of Chauncey Billups free throws in the last second to win 87-85. But the Celtics got their revenge at the Palace two months ago today, erasing a horrendous first quarter with a strong finish and a 92-85 victory.

“I anticipate this being nothing short of emotional,” said Celtics foward Kevin Garnett. “Both teams are solid teams. People are expecting it to be the Eastern Conference finals matchup. It should be fun. They’ve got three All-Stars; we’ve got three All-Stars. They have a hell of a cast; we have a hell of a cast. They’re coached by a great coach; we’re coached by a great coach. [The Celtics and Pistons are] solidified organizations. The history is there. It should be a fun game.”